Book Review: The Reeve's Tale

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

[5 stars]

The Reeve's Tale Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Margaret Frazer
Class/Genre: Mystery Historical Cozy Woman Main Character Religious Fiction
Series: Dame Frevisse Medieval Mysteries # 9
Berkley, Dec 1999, $21.95, 273 pp.

In 1440, England slowly recovers from a three-year draught that destroyed many crops and left many people hungry. Prior Byfield was a bit more fortunate than most of England because the sisters of the nearby St. Frideside Nunnery provided food to the villagers. Perhaps the difference between here and much of England is the cooperation between the nunnery and the local secular Lord Lovellard. In fact Lovellard's reeve Simon Perryn and Frideside's steward Master Naylor run the quarterly court together. At the current session, Perryn rules against his brother-in-law Matthew Woodgrove who wants to renew his lease on some family land. Instead the area's most prosperous individual, Gilby Drum, wins the bid. Perhaps it's simple jealousy, but Gilby is an unpopular figure among villeins.

Meanwhile, tragedies occur. Someone murders Matthew and the lover of his wife is also found dead. Evidence points towards Gilby and Simon. One of the nuns, Dame Freuisse happens to be nursing villagers through a deadly measles epidemic. Having experience with sleuthing, she begins to investigate who is actually the diabolical person behind these crimes.

Margaret Frazier combines a scholar's touch with a fascinating story telling talent that turns her medieval mysteries into some of today's best historical fiction. Fans will enjoy an intriguing who-done-it while learning much about local government and the power of the Church in Medieval England. Sister Freuise is a delightful, believable character who combines a calling to God with secular awareness. Anyone who reads about her adventures will want to peruse the other eight novels in this excellent series.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner